New funding to support producers through COVID-19

06 May 2020

England’s dairy producers will be able to access up to £10,000 each to help them mitigate the impact of COVID-19.

The funding will help support producers – who together continue to produce more than 40 million litres of milk every day – who have seen decreased demand for their products as bars, restaurants and cafes have been closed due to the enforced lockdown.

Excess milk

With some producers facing financial difficulties and excess milk, the fund will provide support for those most in need.

Eligible producers will be entitled to up to £10,000 each, to cover 70% of their lost income during April and May and to ensure that they can continue to operate and sustain production capacity without impacting on animal welfare.

It comes as the Government also, today, backed a £1-million campaign to boost milk consumption and help producers and processors sell the surplus created by the closure of food service and hospitality outlets.

Crucial role

“Our dairy industry plays a crucial role in feeding our nation and we are doing all we can to ensure they are properly supported during this time

“We’ve already relaxed competition laws so producers can work together through the toughest months, but we recognise that there is more to be done. That is why, today, we have kick started a new campaign to boost milk consumption and have announced a further package of funding,” says environment secretary George Eustice.

Qualifying months

Eligible producers who have lost more than 25% of their income during April and May, due to coronavirus disruptions, will be eligible to access this funding for those qualifying months, with no cap set on the number of producers who can receive this support or on the total funding available.